tabs

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Speaking of the Salary Cap

Considering the huge gap between what Cortland Finnegan wants from the Tennessee Titans and what they're willing to give him, it looks like the cornerback could hit the open market in March.

While it seems attractive for the Lions to add him, considering all the other members of the Titans defense they've acquired over the years, it doesn't look like they'll get Finnegan this year.

Though Tennessee is in extremely good shape in terms of the cap, they're not interested in franchising Finnegan, which would cost nearly $11 million in 2012.

They also don't seem to be willing—yet, at least—to give him what he reportedly wants, which is a deal exceeding that of the Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph, who got a five-year, $48.75 million deal last summer.

Considering those are the numbers we're looking at for Finnegan and the fact that the Lions are pressed right up against the cap (and reportedly borrowed against this year's cap last year), there's little chance Finnegan ends up in Detroit, even if he does leave the Titans.

Easily, the Chicago Bears have the most cap space to work with this offseason, with potentially as much as $28 million available to them, depending on whether they want to carry over their unused dollars from 2011.

Chicago is thus free to spend at will, though it's unknown whether that's what they are interested in doing in the coming months. Their first priority, of course, is signing running back Matt Forte to a new deal, or barring that, giving him the franchise tag.

They are likely to use some of that money on a veteran wide receiver, though I don't see Chicago in play in the Mike Wallace sweepstakes that is a seeming inevitability considering the Pittsburgh Steelers' cap situation.

The Detroit Lions are hurting the most in terms of cap space; it's looking, at the moment, like they have at most $2 million worth of cap room to work with. However, that doesn't take into account the undetermined amount they borrowed against this year's money in 2011.

Easily, the Chicago Bears have the most cap space to work with this offseason, with potentially as much as $28 million available to them, depending on whether they want to carry over their unused dollars from 2011.

Chicago is thus free to spend at will, though it's unknown whether that's what they are interested in doing in the coming months. Their first priority, of course, is signing running back Matt Forte to a new deal, or barring that, giving him the franchise tag.

They are likely to use some of that money on a veteran wide receiver, though I don't see Chicago in play in the Mike Wallace sweepstakes that is a seeming inevitability considering the Pittsburgh Steelers' cap situation.

The Detroit Lions are hurting the most in terms of cap space; it's looking, at the moment, like they have at most $2 million worth of cap room to work with. However, that doesn't take into account the undetermined amount they borrowed against this year's money in 2011.

It's doubtful that the Packers are going to part ways with Jermichael Finley entirely, though it's unclear just yet if he will end up with the franchise tag ($5.4 million in 2012 for a tight end, though Finley could negotiate a higher sum) or if they will successfully sign him to a long term deal.

Considering all of the receiving talent the Packers have, there is a valid argument for letting Finley go. However, tight ends of his type are hardly a dime-a-dozen, and the kind of threat he provides the team is certainly worth at least $6 million or more in 2012 and beyond.

It's very true the Packers need help on defense, both in the pass-rush and in the secondary. The former might be a useful free-agency target, but Green Bay would be far better served to focus on defensive backs in the draft.

When free-agent corners and safeties are allowed to walk away, that's a sign that their best playing days are behind them. The Packers need youth in the secondary, as well as talent, so I don't see that being an area they'll target in free agency.

In contrast, there are a number of free-agent defensive ends and inside and outside linebackers who could benefit the Packers. I wouldn't be surprised if they picked one up, but that will have to be at the right price, and the right price will have to fit in with their financial plans for Finley.